Welcome to Church School!
We are glad you are here! Our thriving church school program is ready to welcome you and your family to our community. Church School classes are open to grades PreK - 12th. Classes meet Sundays from 10:00-10:30am during the first half of the worship service. Students begin in church with their families and leave with their teachers after the opening hymn. They return just prior to Communion. Though weekly participation will provide the strongest foundation, students are welcome to attend church school as their schedule allows.
Our church school program is designed to expose our youngest members to all areas of the Episcopal faith and guide students to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The curriculum, a modified offering from Virginia Theological Seminary, is a structured program that rotates through three themed years. Traditional bible stories, Episcopal church basics, personal spiritual life, and more are all shared through the lens of Baptism, Sacrament, and Worship. The rotating themes ensure that concepts introduced in the Primary class return throughout all years of study with increasing complexity.
Lessons for PreK - 8th grade follow a predictable pattern of a welcome, bible reading, discussion, activity, and prayer. The class format is designed to mirror the worship service and includes regular practice of key worship elements and phrases. This format helps familiarize students with the worship service and gives them the tools they need to fully participate in worship. The lesson format for the High School class varies based on the topic.
Registration
While registration is not required to attend classes, registration is strongly encouraged for all students. Registration provides valuable information about attendance, student needs, and updated contact information.
If you have any further questions, please email Lauren Exley, the Director of Education, at education@stjames-episcopal.org
Nursery Care
Currently, our nursery is closed to drop-off care. The space remains available for families before, during, and after services. The Nursery is located in Platts Hall.
Primary (PreK - 1st Grade)
Children explore biblical stories and Episcopal traditions in a welcoming way. Classes follow a predictable pattern (Gathering, Storytelling, Engaging, and Closing) and are designed to be interactive.
Starting in Pre-Kindergarten, children will begin learning responses common to the worship service (Thanks be to God!) and become familiar with hearing Scripture. Games, crafts, and songs help young students engage with the material.
Elementary (2nd - 5th Grade)
Building on the foundation set in their primary years, students study biblical stories, Episcopal traditions, the Sacraments, and the worship service with a goal of familiarity and basic understanding. Students regularly interact with the materials used in worship (Bible, Book of Common Prayer, and Hymnal) to prepare for their participation in the worship service.
Students quickly become accustomed to locating and reading Scripture for themselves. Classes begin by reciting an opening statement or prayer, followed by an opportunity for student lectors to read Scripture aloud. A time of discussion and activity is always concluded with prayer.
Middle School (6th - 8th Grade)
The Middle School years are about forming the foundation for the adult Christian life. Classes encourage discussion with peers and adult mentors as a way to help students define their own beliefs. Students are continually challenged to consider how they can live out their faith and nurture a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Students learn about Episcopal Church basics and personal spiritual life alongside their continuing study of Scripture. Each class follows the structure of the Episcopal service, beginning with the daily Collect, followed by Scripture reading, a time of engaging, and a concluding prayer read from the Book of Common Prayer.
High School (9th - 12th Grade)
The High School class provides a space for young adults to affirm and debate their faith in a supportive environment. Teachers primarily function as facilitators, guiding students through in-depth conversations with their peers. Students have the opportunity to be confirmed (a separate course) and become more integrated into the life of the parish.
Over four years, students will study a variety of topics including Spirituality and Wellness, Racial Justice, Climate Justice, the Way of Love, Baptismal Covenant, Eucharist, and Worship. Students are also encouraged to submit their own topics for study.
MS and HS students are encouraged to join a church ministry (Acolyte, Altar Guild, Music, etc.) in addition to coming to classes. Altar acolytes, crucifers, and torch bearers can participate in the processional, attend class, and continue serving as usual after returning.
